Ask yourself these 9 questions every morning

Friday , March 28, 2014 - 12:39 PM

Brad Larsen, Contributed

“To change our lives we have to change the questions we ask ourselves.”-Tony Robbins

The alarm goes off and usually our first thoughts about getting up and going to work are negative. Instead of angrily kicking off our sheets or pressing the snooze button for the fourth time, we need to reassess our attitudes in the first minutes of our day.

One way to accomplish that is to ask ourselves some powerful questions. Having an open internal dialogue with ourselves each morning can provide a more positive start to the day, unlock our unlimited potential, and keep us on the path to success.

The questions that we ask can also shape our perception of who we are and what we’re willing to do to achieve our dreams. When you ask yourself a great question, your mind will automatically focus on finding better answers and solutions. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.

We need to wake up with more proactive mindsets. Here are some possible questions we can ask ourselves the moment we open our eyes:

1. What am I grateful for today? Start each day thinking about what you have that already makes you happy and successful. Focus on the positive each morning and do your best to keep that proactive mindset throughout your day.

2. What is my focus today? The best and most efficient way to improve any area of your life is to do so one task at a time. Wake up and pick one thing that you will make the focus of your day. Hold onto that purpose for the whole day and reevaluate your position that evening.

3. How can I live in alignment with my values today? Imagine what your day will consist of if you live in alignment with your inner values and beliefs. It’s about taking action with what you believe in and making the commitment every single day of living out your values.

4. Why am I going to work today? Does it seem like you are constantly stuck in a “rut”? You must experience a passion behind your actions. Without passion, it’s easy to get stuck in a boring and dull routine. Reach deep within yourself and be clear with why you go to work.

5. Am I surrounding myself with positive people? Don’t let a handful of negative people ruin your day. Be thankful for the people who walk into your day and make it better, but also be thankful for freedom to walk away from the ones who don’t. Surround yourself with positive people so that their energy will rub off on you.

6. How will I enjoy myself today? You shouldn’t wake up thinking about all the work that you have to put in. Make a plan the night before to have at least one fun and enjoyable activity to look forward to. Wake up each morning with a smile while thinking about the fun you are going to have that day.

7. How will I remain in the moment? When you wake up, take in your surroundings. Realize that you are lying in your bed — how does it feel? How do the sheets feel against your skin? Focus on the moment first thing and it will be easier to return to this state of “feeling alive” throughout your day.

8. Where am I now in comparison to where I want to be? It’s important to always reflect upon where you currently are and where you want to be. Do you know which direction you’re heading? If not, what changes do you need to make today in order to be moving, growing and developing in that direction?

9. How am I making a difference? We all want to make a difference, whether big or small. Take the time each morning to figure how you want to make a difference on this particular day. You have the option of living a passionately fulfilling day or getting stuck with more of the same. You decide.

The quality of your life is based partly upon the quality of the questions you ask yourself daily and the quality and quantity of actions you take. By starting your day with a proactive mindset, you’ll be continually working on improving yourself, and become a valuable asset to your company, your friends, and your family.

Brad Larsen is a life coach and corporate consultant from northern Utah. He can be reached at bradlarsen@dailymasterpieces.com.